Jim Stewart

1930

1957

Jim Stewart borrows some recording equipment and learns the basics of running a small independent label from his barber, Erwin Ellis.

1958

Jim Stewart launches Satellite Records, the precursor of Stax Records, in Memphis. Satellite’s first release is “Blue Roses,” a country and western song by Fred Blyer.

1961

Jim Stewart’s Satellite label has its first hit with Carla Thomas’s “Gee Whiz” (#5 R&B, #10 pop), which is quickly picked up for national release by Atlantic Records.

1961

“Last Night,” by the Mar-Keys enters the national charts, where it will peak at #3 pop, #2 R&B. It is the last single released on Jim Stewart’s Satellite Records, which thereafter becomes Stax Records when it comes to light there is another Satellite Records in California.

1962

Stax Records has its first #1 hit with “Green Onions,” by Booker T. & the MG’s, which tops the R&B chart for four weeks. It peaks at #3 on the pop chart.

1962

The first album on Stax Records – ‘Green Onions,’ by Booker T. & the MG’s – is released.

1968

Memphis recording studios are generating $30 million a year. Two-thirds of the business is attributed to Stax Records.

1968

“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” by Otis Redding, reaches #1 for the first of four weeks. Recorded three days before Redding’s death in a plane crash, it is the biggest hit from the Stax Records label group, appearing on Volt.